Keeper Cole in injury scare

7:22am Monday 21st July 2008

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DARREN Patterson admitted the groin injury picked up by on-loan goalkeeper Jake Cole in Oxford United's's 3-1 win at Maidenhead on Saturday was a big concern.

Cole, who finalised a three-month deal from QPR last week, lasted just 18 minutes before being replaced by triallist Ben Hinchcliffe.

Goals from Lewis Haldane (2) and Jamie Guy's penalty set United on the way to a comfortable victory.

But it was Cole's injury - and the welfare of Luke Foster - that were the main talking points afterwards.

Foster was knocked unconscious after a collision at a corner, but after being out cold for a couple of minutes, was able to walk off.

"Jake has got a soft tissue injury of his groin, and that is a big worry," Patterson said.

"With Billy (Turley) out, I wasn't prepared to take any chances, so he came off straight away.

"It was a good chance to look at Ben, but obviously we need Jake fit.

"Luke is fine too - the players are joking that he was out cold because he actually got a header from a set-piece on target.

"He's a centre half and so a busted nose is part and parcel of the job."

United produced a devastating display for the first half-hour, scoring three times and creating numerous chances.

Triallist Wayne Corden played on the right wing, but was completely overshadowed by Haldane, Guy and James Constable, who looked an impressive attacking force.

Guy, who really caught the eye, went close twice before the U's went ahead.

Constable's attempted shot was blocked on the edge of the area, but the ball fell nicely for Haldane who netted from close range.

Foster and Constable then went close, before the latter was brought down in the area by Bobby Behzadi.

Guy sent keeper Shane Gore the wrong way from the spot.

Two minutes later, it was 3-0 with a beautifully-worked goal.

Chris Carruthers played the ball forward to Constable, who in turn layed it off first-time to Haldane. The winger controlled on his chest, before heading for goal and coolly beating Gore at his near post.

United were in complete control, with Hinchcliffe only forced to punch one corner clear.

After the break, the U's took their foot off the gas - but they were only made to pay once, when Ryan Hazell netted in injury time.

Oxford Utd: Cole (Hinchcliffe 18), Day, Carruthers (Clarke 46), Quinn, Foster (Willmott 58), Burnell (Davies 81), Corden (Deering 73), Murray, Constable (Reid 84), Guy (Odubade 73), Haldane.